Growermetal has undergone continuous evolution in order to set itself as a leading supplier of washers and parts for the automotive sector – with its certified productive model, international sales network, and rooted know-how in fastening technologies, enabling it to embrace mobility transformation.
The automotive industry is a rapidly evolving field characterised by dynamic trends and the necessity for stable, reliable supply services. Growermetal has embraced these challenges with an innovative approach, offering comprehensive in-house services, cutting edge research and development, as well as a wide range of washer solutions tailored specifically for the automotive sector.
Since its foundation in 1950, Growermetal has built a strong reputation in the fastener industry by continually enhancing its production capabilities to ensure superior safety and high performance. Over the years, the automotive industry has become a focal point for Growermetal, prompting the company to meet stringent requirements and adapt to new market demands.
For instance, in 2011 Growermetal obtained the IATF 16949 certification, which is specifically for the automotive industry and provides quality management system process requirements. In particular, the standard focuses on customer requirements, defect prevention, improvement and a reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.
Today, Growermetal’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its ability to respond to the evolving needs of the automotive sector. This dedication has allowed the company to establish itself as a trusted supplier of high-quality fastening solutions, earning the confidence of automotive manufacturers worldwide.
Exploring the evolution of mobility
For the fastener industry, the transformation undergone by the mobility and automotive sectors has brought significant new trends. The transition towards electric vehicles, technology 4.0, and the consequent introduction of more demanding and strict regulations, present unique challenges and opportunities for the fastener sector.
As a consequence, the market of fastening systems is undergoing profound changes too, being called to improve locking performance and safety; introducing lightweight materials with no discount on resistance and durability; as well as designing parts with the integration of
smart technologies.
Growermetal has proactively addressed these needs by leveraging its efficiency and technical expertise to develop products that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
The centrality of innovation in the company’s strategy is clear from different points of view. On the one hand, Growermetal is working on the integration of smart technologies inside washers – leading to the development of its first smart sensorised washer Grower Detecto® – and on the creation of products suitable to electric vehicles, such as the metal parts with glued EPDM inserts that can be used as insulation in batteries.
On the other hand, the company is actively investing in new structures for research and development. As a result, Growermetal will soon inaugurate a new building in the area next to its main headquarters, with construction having started in 2023. The GIC – Growermetal Innovation Center will include new areas for sharing ideas and projects, laboratories and classrooms for training, as well as helping support the future development of innovation for automotive, transportation technologies and many other sectors.
Certified quality and comprehensive in-house services
Growermetal’s production process is highly centralised, encompassing various departments that work in unison to maintain a seamless workflow. The headquarters in Calco, Italy, covering a total area of 45,000m2 (with 23,500m2 of covered space), houses several key departments, including:
Besides these services, Growermetal’s production processes also covers blanking, coining, steel wire rolling, surface cleaning and finishing, as well as sorting and final quality control. Each department communicates directly with the others, ensuring a well defined production flow with minimal interruptions.
Together with its complete set of services, another one of Growermetal’s strengths lies in its extensive range of fastening solutions for the mobility sector, with the possibility of customisation according to customer’s specific measurements. Available in several different materials and dimensions, the washer range for the automotive industry includes:
“The company’s ability to control every aspect of the production process is a key factor in its success, enabling it to respond quickly to customer needs and market changes, whilst maintaining high efficiency and consistent quality across its product range,” underlines Paolo Cattaneo, CEO at Growermetal SpA.
Inventory and warehouse management
To create trusted relationships with customers, Growermetal also looks to provide logistical efficiency. That is why when OEM customers ask for timely and comprehensive solutions on a large scale, the company promotes a ‘Just in Time’ approach with an integrated supply service. Starting with its stock of raw materials and finished products, and ending with a distribution network of two important sales branches in North America (Growermetal USA) and Brazil (Growermetal do Mercosul), the company is able to serve automotive manufacturers all over the world.
In particular, Growermetal’s headquarters counts on a fully automatic warehouse with 17 levels of storage and 11,000 storage locations, supported by a management software (WMS – Warehouse Management System) exclusively tailored to meet the company’s requirements.
The warehouse is also equipped with stacker cranes and laser guided vehicles, ensuring that products are stored and handled with maximum accuracy and speed, reducing lead times and improving overall efficiency.
Finally, the new automatic packaging machine enhances this process, offering customisable packaging solutions to meet diverse customer needs. The machine is capable of handling various packaging formats, allowing Growermetal to provide tailored solutions that align with the specific requirements of each customer.
Growermetal participating at IZB 2024
Growermetal’s focus on automotive extends to the participation in important international events, such as the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) 2024, held from 22nd to 24th October 2024 in Wolfsburg, Germany, with Growermetal’s team present on stand 6106 in hall 6.
This prestigious event is a key platform for the automotive supply chain, attracting suppliers and professionals from around the globe. The 2022 edition saw 940 exhibitors from 37 nations and 43,000 world premieres, and the twelfth edition is expected to maintain this trend.
“Covering the entire value chain, IZB will be the occasion to discover Growermetal’s latest innovations and connect with key industry players,” reports Paolo. “Through our participation in events like IZB 2024, and our dedication to R&D, we aim to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships – spreading our commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. With a strong legacy of expertise and a forward thinking approach, we are ready to seize future challenges and opportunities.”
growermetal.com
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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